Tokyo’s anti-nuclear demonstrations a great place for romance

Nikkan Gendai Oct. 13Each Friday evening in Tokyo, it’s become common to see large numbers of demonstrators converge on the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward.

Nikkan Gendai (Oct. 13) reveals that the demonstrations have also become a popular venue for couples engaged in extramarital affairs.

“Just to my knowledge, over the past six months at least three couples were among the demonstrators,” says one member of the anti-nuclear movement. “One housewife in her late 30s, making a show of concern for the safety of her children, always stands outside the door of her home when she returns, shaking out her jacket out of concern that ‘radioactive particles’ might be adhering to it. But when her husband sees her doing that he’s likely to react with suspicion, leading to a marital spat. On the other hand, spouses are extremely tolerant when their better half attends an anti-nuclear rally.

“As it turned out, she’d become close to a man in his early 40s, and the two of them have been engaged in a torrid affair.”

The article notes that when marchers tend to work up a sweat when protesting the restarting of the nuclear reactors, and with so many pheromones floating about, it’s hardly surprising that many of them pair off for amorous activities.

“From the past, many females who have joined demonstrations have had an excess of energy,” says marriage authority Hiromi Ikeuchi, the operator of Tokyo Family Laboratory. “If their joining demonstrations stems partly from problems with their husbands at home, it’s pretty obvious that these women are likely to seek friendships with the men they meet at demonstrations, who harbor the same sentiments.

“The buzzword ‘Get rid of nuclear reactors’ seems to strike a harmonious chord among both males and females,” adds Ikeuchi. “So you unattached guys out there, how about it? Come to a demonstration — you might score.” (K.S.)

Note: Brief extracts from Japanese vernacular media in the public domain that appear here were translated and summarized under the principle of “fair use.” Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the translations. However, we are not responsible for the veracity of their contents. The activities of individuals described herein should not be construed as “typical” behavior of Japanese people nor reflect the intention to portray the country in a negative manner. Our sole aim is to provide examples of various types of reading matter enjoyed by Japanese.